There's
nothing sweeter than taking to the skies, and soaring
with a paraglider. Except perhaps doing it with
an experienced tandem pilot instructor that will take
care of all the flying, so that you can sit back and
enjoy the vistas around you, and the fantastic sensations
of free flight!
One of the places to take a tandem flight is at the annual Bridal Falls Air Races (we call it BFAR!), held each July. You have
the opportunity to take a tandem flight at one of
the best flying sites in Canada. Better still,
you'll be able to do it for a greatly discounted rate!
Tandem flights
typically cost about $200. At the BFAR,
the price is only $110!! The best of our
local tandem pilot instructors are volunteering their
time and talents to show their support for the West
Coast Soaring Club. The club uses these funds
to help secure and preserve our local flying sites,
focusing on beautiful Bridal Falls.
What's
It Like?
Both hang glider and paraglider tandem flights are available.
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On a Paraglider - You,
as a tandem passenger fly in front of the pilot, in
a comfortable seated position, and have a perfect,
unobstructed view of everything around you.
To take off, you and the pilot run down a short, gently
sloped hill to inflate the paraglider. You're
then lifted away from the ground. While in the air, your pilot may give you the opportunity to take the controls and do a few turns yourself. Landing is normally very smooth and gentle, requiring perhaps a few quick steps before you come to a stop. |
On a Hang Glider - You and your Instructor will set up the hang glider. You will be given a quick pre-flight briefing, practice a few launch runs, and then run side by side off the mountain and into the sky. Once launched, there is nothing else you need to do! Just relax and enjoy the feeling. Your pilot will encourage you to give it a try. Look ahead and relax and you will soon be flying the hang glider all by yourself. We will not compromise on safety. Because it is safest we will always land on wheels. You still have nothing more to do except relax in your harness while your instructor glides into the field for a smooth gentle landing. |
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The
length of your flight is dependent on the day's weather
conditions. Hang gliders and paragliders utilize columns of rising air, called "Thermals", to ascend higher into the sky. Certain conditions generate more
thermal activity, and enable longer and higher flights.
However, you can expect to have at least a 15 minute
flight. Even without thermals, a hang glider or paraglider can glide and soar for a very long time. You'll have opportunity to take some
great shots if you've brought your camera.
Arrangements
At BFAR, from arriving
at the Bridal Falls flying site, to packing up after
your flight, everything will be taken care of for
you. When you arrive, find parking in the designated
area, and come to the registration desk. After
checking in, you'll be introduced to your pilot instructor,
who will help you with all further details.
Because the sport of paragliding depends entirely
on the whims of mother nature, be prepared to spend
some time "para-waiting", as your pilot
determines the optimum time to fly in order to make
your tandem flight experience the best it can be.
For pilots, this is all part of the sport, and we
all enjoy the camaraderie of each other's company,
both while we're in the air, and while we're itching
to be in the air!
Spectators
are welcome near the landing zone area, as well as
at the launch site. Follow the directions of
any BFAR volunteers in these areas. Please note
that anyone other than the tandem passenger will be
required to pay a fee for a ride to the launch site.
Of course, there are fantastic views to be had from
the launch site as well, so it's well worth it.
What
To Bring
Bring sturdy
footwear, and dress according to the weather.
Be prepared to possibly spend some time enjoying the
outdoors as you "para-wait" for your flight.
It's not a bad idea to wear (or bring) long
pants to wear for your flight, as well as a windbreaker
or fleece. Also, if you're prone to motion sickness
at all, you may want to consider taking something
for it prior to your flight.
Tandem
Flight Qualifications
Almost anyone
can be a tandem passenger. The passenger must
be able to run a few steps while launching and landing.
Also, because of the nature of the equipment,
there is a weight restriction. Paragliders are
certified based on total weight of the pilot, passenger,
and the equipment itself. Passengers must generally
weigh between 38 kg (85 lbs) and 103 kg (225 lbs).
However, depending on the specific pilot and his equipment,
this range may be somewhat flexible.
For more details, contact the tandem coordinator or your tandem pilot (info below).
Signing
Up
During the BFAR - Contact the tandem coordinator to book your tandem flight. The coordinator can answer any other questions you may have, and schedule your flight for you. It may be possible
to simply arrive at the BFAR and sign up for a flight,
but it's much more likely that the weekend will book up
solid, so sign up ahead of time to avoid
disappointment or possible lengthy waits.
For any other time of year - Visit the club's Sponsors page and select a school or independent tandem pilot to take you up! Your pilot can answer any questions you may have, and
schedule your flight for you.
Have
fun, and we'll see you in the air!
